Acceptable and Reasonable Sacrifice

            “It is not supposed to be this way” is a common refrain in this generation. I do not ever remember my grandmother complaining about the trauma she endured throughout the dust bowl and Great Depression, though I do know she was shaped by those experiences. Neither of my grandfathers served in World War II because of health reasons, but they both worked hard with their families eking out a living from the Kansas dirt throughout those difficult days. Resilience defined my grandparents’ world and earned them the moniker of “the greatest generation.”

            When Peter wrote the letter of 1 Peter, resilience was the path of survival for the Christian faith. The early believers endured tremendous suffering so that we can know Jesus today. Peter’s challenge to rejoice through suffering takes a turn into practical application in chapter two, where he eliminates all Biblical loopholes for self-pity, burn out, or emotional meltdowns. This book destroys any notion that grace justifies bad behavior under pressure.

            If I had been in Peter’s congregation, I might have wondered when the sympathy would kick in! It is clear from the theme of sacrifice throughout this book, however, that God finds suffering in a believer’s life to be both acceptable and reasonable. Jesus’s sacrifice exemplified the resilience that He instructs and enables believers to showcase in trial. Resilience in the Christian life must continue for the sake of the next generation.

This deep dive into the book of 1 Peter has been convicting and challenging, perfectly preparing me for the season I am in. I hope you are finding the same challenge and comfort in the season you are facing too! Here is the second chapter study for 1 Peter. Please let me know what you are learning from your study.

Have a blessed weekend, my friends!